For those looking to explore the exciting world of tarot card reading, choosing the right deck is key to getting started. With hundreds of unique tarot decks available featuring different art styles, themes, and variations, it can be daunting to decide which is the best fit as a beginner reader. As a beginner, you should seek a deck that is easy to learn and connect with from the start.
In this guide, we'll look at several of the most beginner-friendly tarot decks available. We'll explore classic decks like the Rider-Waite Smith that every student of tarot should know, as well as creative reinterpretations and simplified decks designed specifically for tarot novices. Whether you're drawn to lighthearted animal decks, mystical surrealist art, or straightforward illustrations, you'll gain insight into choosing the ideal deck to begin your tarot journey.
Let's look at what makes certain decks shine for new readers looking to learn and practice their card-reading skills confidently. You'll soon be matching cards with their inherent meanings and interpreting spreads like a pro!
Classic Rider-Waite Smith Deck
The Rider-Waite Smith deck, published in 1909, remains the most popular and widely used tarot deck for beginners and experts alike. Illustrated by artist Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of scholar A.E. Waite, the vivid card images are rich with symbolism.
This classic deck is ideal for newcomers because the detailed scenes directly convey the traditional tarot card interpretations, meanings, and archetypes. The Rider-Waite Smith deck comes included with almost all tarot books and guides, allowing easy reference.
While some students may later evolve to more alternative or personalized decks, starting out with the traditional Rider-Waite Smith illustrations establishes an invaluable foundation for the tarot’s imagery and meanings. Its prolific use makes resources easy to find too.
Modern Rider-Waite Smith Variations
Once comfortable with tarot fundamentals, updates on the classic Rider-Waite Smith deck allow easing into more expressive interpretations while retaining the familiar symbolism.
Some popular modern variants include:
• Radiant Rider-Waite Smith - Vibrant colors and updated details by Virginijus Poshkus.
• Modern Witch Tarot - Magical modern remix by Lisa Sterle featuring Wiccan elements.
• Tarot Mucha - Art Nouveau spin using Alphonse Mucha's classic paintings.
• The Crystal Unicorn Tarot - Lisa Sterle's bright, playful take with unicorn themes.
• Animated Tarot - An illustrated graphic novel-style deck by N.E. Holland.
The comfortable blend of traditional Rider-Waite structure with an evolved aesthetic in these decks allows novice readers to ease into more flexibility with meanings and intuition.
Tarot Made Easy Deck
Specifically designed to make learning tarot a breeze, the Tarot Made Easy deck from Nancy Garen strips away ornate complexities. The straightforward illustrations depict just the key symbolic elements on each card.
Perfect for beginners, this deck also lists keywords and interpretations directly on the cards, allowing easy reference as you navigate readings. The companion guidebook further explains the simplified imagery and meanings.
With illustrated minors as well as the majors, this deck neatly combines visual storytelling with an accessible cheat sheet right on the cards. Beginners can dive into readings with more confidence and continuously reinforce their card knowledge.
The Good Tarot
Created by intuitive tarot practitioner Colette Baron-Reid, The Good Tarot uses whimsical yet insightful illustrations rendered in a colorful, gentle style.
The deck has an uplifting, positive tone that is perfect for those looking to explore tarot from a place of hope and healing. It follows the classic structure but with an accessible new-age twist.
Beginners appreciate the relatable modern scenes, diversity, and encouragement to trust intuition. The images offer a welcoming window into each card's essence.
For those seeking meaning with an optimistic lens, The Good Tarot's artistry and refreshing perspective allow beginners to read the cards efficiently while focusing on guidance for the highest good.
Animal Tarot Decks
For a playful twist, several decks depict the tarot archetypes through animal symbolism rather than human figures. These can appeal to beginners through their approachability.
Popular options include:
• Wild Unknown Tarot - Stunning artwork with raw, primal symbolism.
• Animalis Os Fortuna - Bright, whimsical illustrations by Lauren Cole.
• Pagan Cats Tarot - Witchy cats in Renaissance costumes.
• Happy Tarot - Cute bug-eyed animals by Serena Ficca.
The relatable animal scenes provide a gateway to the cards' meanings that feel less solemn or puzzling. The creatures' inherent traits also creatively convey the core themes.
Whimsical animal decks allow novices to lower barriers to interpretation and engage their innate intuitiveness with the cards.
Find Your Deck Intuitively
When selecting that first tarot deck, intellectual analysis can only go so far. The most important criterion is simply choosing the deck that speaks to you intuitively.
Here are some tips for finding "the One":
• Browse decks online and pay attention to which art and themes pull you in.
• Read deck descriptions and reviews to get a feel for meanings and concepts.
• Handle sample decks in person and observe your reactions to each.
• Notice which decks you feel most enthusiastic and comfortable with.
• Select the deck that gives you a sense of visual familiarity and emotional rapport.
While beginner-friendly decks are great guidelines, ultimately, follow your own mystic radar. The right deck matches the reader's personality and reading style. With so many wonderful options today, your perfect tarot partner awaits.
Choosing your first tarot deck is an exciting journey. While classic decks like Rider-Waite provide a solid symbolic foundation, reinvented versions allow you to progress into more creative territory later. Whimsical animal decks lower barriers for beginners as well.
Above all, select the deck that resonates most powerfully with you. Handling sample decks in person helps inform this intuition. With myriad beautiful decks available, you get to unleash your personal tastes and forge a connection.
Approach potential decks with an open heart and mind. Once discovered, that perfect-for-you deck will become a trusted mystical companion for channeling a wiser understanding of yourself and the world. Your tarot journey starts here.
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